Miss Saigon

Not so long ago the Chatswood Musical Society specialised in staging almost forgotten operettas with large choruses filled with middle aged and elderly men and women. Lilac Time, Waltzes From Vienna and The Naughty Marietta were amongst them. What a contrast Miss Saigon was, in the company’s first production inside the sparkling new Concourse Theatre. The leggy girls in their tight hotpants and skimpy bikini tops inside the Saigon nightclub were literally a world away from the Chatswood Musical Society of old.

The first challenge, to fill the vast new stage, was passed with flying colours. The set was spectacular.

In the most recent professional production lights, sound and wind were used to signify the arrival of the helicopter. Chatswood surpassed this with the real deal.  Another transport ‘prop’ soon followed, giving the audience two gee whiz moments.

The musical was anchored by an orchestra under the baton of Greg Jones that was crisp and always on the money.

It gave the principals the platform to shine.

Veronica Alonzo as Kim looked the picture of innocence when she was introduced to the American troops as fresh meat. She sang passionately and acted beautifully throughout the performance.

Jeremy Curtin as Chris matched her in the singing stakes, although the fact that he was not quite the drop dead gorgeous American soldier imagined for the role stretched the audience’s imagination a little.

Mike Curtin (Chris’s real life brother) shone as the Engineer. He crafted his way around the stage, as the character wheeled and dealed his way in and out of trouble.He rightfully got the biggest ovation of the night.

Daniel Placido as Thuy and Helen Harris as Ellen provided solid support.

The chorus sang very well but some of the large dance numbers were reminiscent of the old days of the Chatswood Musical Society.

Anyway, spotting the member of the chorus who is slightly out of step is one of the great joys of attending amateur theatre. No doubt by closing night they will be all perfect.

By midway through the first act all distractions caused by small indiscretions like this and the breakage of a light globe in a collision with a hut had been swept away and I was fully engrossed in the drama.

Chatswood Musical Society threw everything but the kitchen sink at this production and deserved the standing ovation they received on opening night.

David Spicer

Photographer: Alan Roy